Thai protesters defy detention of leaders to hold “car mob” rally – Reuters
BANGKOK, Aug 10 (Reuters) – Hundreds of Thai anti-authorities protesters drove a convoy of automobiles and bikes by way of the capital of Bangkok on Tuesday, amid rising anger over the dealing with of the coronavirus pandemic by Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha’s administration.
The protesters stopped outdoors buildings linked to cupboard members or supporters of Prayuth to make speeches and name for resignations, accusing The federal authorities of mismanaging the pandemic and abusing its power to silence critics.
“The authorities lacks The power to handle the nation, and solely see the pursuits of the elite,” Benja Apan, a scholar activist, said in A press launch study out from The very Greater of a truck in Bangkok’s enterprise district.
“If the state of affairs stays like this then We will anticipate the nation to face an unsurvivable disaster,” she said.
Hospitals have been pushed to the brink by The latest wave of circumstances and Thailand reported on Tuesday a doc COVID-19 demise toll of 235 – almost 4 occasions as many as Inside the complete of final yr.
Thailand’s youth-led protest movement seems to be regaining momentum after demonstrations final yr attracted lots of of thousands Of people earlier than a crackdown by authorities.
The protesters have additionally damaged conventional taboos by demanding reform of the monarchy, risking prosecution beneath a lese majeste regulation that make insulting or defaming the king, queen, inheritor and regent punishable by As a lot as 15 yrs in jail.
Last weekend, Greater than a thousand Thai anti-authorities protesters clashed with police. study extra
The police warned on Tuesday That Every one public gatherings have been presently illegal beneath COVID-19 emergency guidelines and vowed to take movement in the direction of anyone Collaborating in protests.
“Authorized movement Shall be taken in the direction of People who advertising campaign by way of social media retailers And Individuals who Take part in such a rally,” deputy police spokesman Kissana Phathanacharoen said.
Protest leaders who had Hung out in jail over earlier demonstrations and been launched on bail have gone again into custody in current days collectively with Panupong “Mike Rayong” Jadnok, Jatupat “Pai” Boonpattararaksa and Parit “Penguin” Chiwarak.
Human rights regulationyer Arnon Nampa additionally confronted current lese majeste and completely different costs for a speech he made final week. study extra
Media teams have accused The federal authorities of making an try to crack down on criticism of its dealing with of the pandemic by way of an order to ban dissemination of “false messages” and distorted information. The authorities denied it was concentrating on media However the order has now been revoked after a courtroom final week referred to as it a breach of particular person rights and freedom. study extra
Reporting by Panu Wongcha-um, Panarat Thepgumpanat and Jiraporn Kuhakan
Modifying by Ed Davies
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